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Anhydrite
Anhydrite - Mineral Properties and Uses |
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What is Anhydrite? |
Anhydrite is an evaporite mineral most commonly found in layered sedimentary deposits in association with halite, gypsum, sulfur, calcite and dolomite. Anhydrite (CaSO4) is very similar to gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O). The difference is that anhydrite does not include water and that is where it gets its name - anhydrite means: "without water". |
Uses |
Anhydrite uses include: soil conditioner; mixed with Portland cement to control the rate of curing; manufacture of gypsum wallboard; mineral filler in joint compounds, plastics and paints; a source of sulfur. |
Color |
colorless, white, gray, blue, reddish |
Streak |
white |
Luster |
vitreous to pearly |
Diaphaneity |
transparent to translucent |
Cleavage |
three directions at right angles |
Hardness |
3 - 3.5 |
Specific Gravity |
2.9 - 3.0 |
Distinguishing
Characteristics |
three cleavage directions, harder than gypsum, higher specific gravity than calcite |
Crystal System |
orthorhombic |
Chemical Classification |
sulfate |
Chemical Composition |
anhydrous calcium sulfate, CaSO4 |
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Anhydrite from Mound House, Nevada.
Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.
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Anhydrite from Balmat, New York.
Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.
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Anhydrite from Nova Scotia, Canada.
Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.
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